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Food Technology
Head of Department: Mrs B Lambert
Mrs S Wright
Technician: Mrs H Caffrey
Accommodation and Resources
The department is well resourced to deliver Food Technology to all year groups and has a range of modern labour-saving equipment for use in practical and experimental Food work. Girls also have a wide selection of resources available to assist in research and investigative work, for example, photographic equipment including access to a digital and video camera to record results of work in progress, IT facilities to assist in compiling and analysing research data and creating reports for project work. There is also a wide, up-to-date range of documentary materials. From time to time, experts are invited into the department to talk to the girls and visits are arranged.
Lower School
Pupils are introduced to food preparation techniques and encouraged to develop their own food hygiene and safety awareness. Work covered includes diet and nutrition, food science and information about food commodities.
Upper School
Pupils are currently offered GCSE Food and Nutrition, which gives them the opportunity to develop, and add to, skills they have gained in the Lower School to increase the depth of their knowledge through individual, group and whole class activities. The syllabus covers:
• Nutrition and health
• Food choice
• Food preparation and processing
• Deterioration, safety and preserving of food
• Marketing/advertising and consumer education
GCSE Coursework
Girls prepare an individual investigative task based on their own interests. They also complete two short assessments intended to demonstrate their practical skills. Assessment is 50% coursework and 50% written examination.
Sixth Form
Girls are offered the opportunity to study Food Technology at AS and A2 level. This course allows girls to develop increased confidence in a wide range of skills and knowledge relevant to many future career paths. The syllabus involves coursework assignments based on properties of foods, knowledge of nutrition, food preparation, consumer issues, analysis of food products and manufacturing systems.
Other Activities
Red Cross Babysitting Course
The opportunity is offered to Year 10 pupils to study for the British Red Cross Babysitting Award. This activity takes place at lunchtime on a weekly basis.
Lower School Food Technology Club
This club provides girls with the opportunity take part in practical food-related activities.
Future Prospects
A Home Economics/Food Technology qualification opens the door to many interesting and exciting careers, such as:
• selection and development of food for major retailers
• research and development in business and industry
• consumer advisory services
• communications eg publishing, advertising and journalism
• the caring services eg health promotion or housing services
• retail management, buying or marketing
• consumer affairs eg product evaluation or trading standards
• leisure services eg recreation management
• TV presentation work
There are many degree courses and higher degrees available which can build on a background in Home Economics. The Food Technology department has further information for those interested in careers/courses within this area.